8 Tips to Improve Energy-Efficiency From Experienced Arvada Roofers

June 12, 2018

Summer is finally here and before you know it, you’ll be cranking up the air conditioner to keep your house cool and comfortable. For many homeowners, summer is a time of increased energy bills and higher monthly expenses. Though those higher bills may seem unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to keep your costs down and save money month to month. Your trusted Arvada roofing company shares a few simple tips to help you make your home as energy-efficient as possible.

Set Your Thermostat Higher When You’re Away

Setting your thermostat allows your air conditioning system to maintain a set temperature all day long. While this may be convenient, it can be costly. Rather than leaving your AC to maintain the same temperatures you want to relax in even while you’re at work, raise the setting a couple degrees when you’re away. Though the savings won’t be extreme, every little bit helps and you’ll end up putting less strain on your HVAC system throughout the warmest part of the year. If you’re worried about your house being uncomfortably home when you get done with work, install a programmable thermostat. These systems will turn the AC on and cool your home to your desired temperature so you’ll be comfortable at the end of a long day.

Inspect Your Windows for Leaks

Though drafts and leaks around your windows are more noticeable during the winter than in the summer, they can still cause your energy bill to rise. Take the time to inspect the seals around each window in your home. If you notice any cracks, shifting, or crumbling caulking, have the damage repaired. This will keep the weather outside from influencing the temperatures inside as severely. The less hot outdoor air that makes it inside your house, the less your air conditioner needs to work to keep your home cool.

Block Out The Sun

Natural light is a wonderful way to illuminate your home, but during the warmest part of the year, direct sun can significantly increase the temperature of your room. Install blackout curtains in the areas that receive the most sun during the day. If the sun gets too bright or the room starts to get warm, draw the curtains, especially if you’re not using the space. You can always open them again once the sun shifts and is no longer shining directly into the windows. Best of all, this tactic will keep your upholstery and your furnishings looking nice as it minimizes the amount of UV rays the materials are exposed to.

Install LED Lights

LED light bulbs are one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting options you can buy. The average bulb lasts for over five years and requires far less energy to produce the same amount of light as a standard incandescent bulb. Additionally, LED bulbs produce virtually no heat output, helping you light your space without putting strain on your home’s air conditioning system. The less heat you introduce to the room, the easier it is to keep cool and comfortable.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Believe it or not, every electrical outlet produces some sort of current when a cord is plugged in. The electronic doesn’t have to be on to draw a small amount of power—it just happens. Over time and in a large home, this power draw can really add up, making your electric bill higher than it needs to be. Before you and your kids rush out the door to enjoy the beautiful summer weather, take a moment to unplug all unused electronics. This includes phone chargers that aren’t actively charging a phone, game consoles, and even standing fans.

Make Use of Fans

While they should always be unplugged when not in use, fans can dramatically improve the comfort of your home. By circulating the air in a room, you’ll be able to make the space feel several degrees cooler than it really is. This means you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher and you’ll still feel just as comfortable if you have a fan blowing on you. Over the course of the summer, this will save you significantly on your energy bills. Best of all, you can find cheap and durable fans at almost every home improvement store in the area.

Make Sure The Attic Is Properly Insulated

Even the most energy-efficient roofs absorb a lot of heat throughout the day. This heat then collects in the attic space, keeping your home nice and warm in the winter. However, during the summer, it can increase the overall temperature of the upper levels of your house by a few degrees. Before summer is in full swing, have the insulation levels in your attic inspected by a roofing contractor. If the insulation levels are too low, the amount of heat transferred from your roof to your house will be significant. Adding insulation or redoing damaged insulation will reduce the amount of heat buildup and keep your home more comfortable over the long-run.

Address Roof Damage Immediately

Spring storms and heavy winds have a way of damaging even the most well-maintained roofs. Rather than putting off roof repairs, take the time to get the issues fixed as soon as possible. Remember, roofing materials help deflect much of the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler. If they’re compromised, they won’t be able to do their job as effectively, causing an increase in your cooling costs. Even if they’re only minor issues, the sooner you fix the problem, the more energy efficient your home will be.

Routine roof maintenance is key in keeping your home energy efficient all year long. If you’re worried about the condition of your roof or have noticed ever-increasing electric bills putting a strain on your budget, don’t wait. Schedule a roof inspection with Arvada Roofing & Construction today. Our experienced residential roofing contractors will thoroughly inspect and repair your roof so you can start enjoying the summer weather once again. Call (303) 432-2753 for a free estimate.